Heated Rivalry protagonists Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander played on opposite sides during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
But next month, the actors behind the two closeted hockey stars will help open up the Olympics together.
Connor Storrie (Rozanov) and Hudson Williams (Hollander) will carry the Olympic torch prior to the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6. The relay will begin in Venice, Italy on Thursday and conclude in Milan the next day. The 2026 Winter Games will take place in Milan-Cortina.
Now in its second full month of cultural ubiquity, the hockey romance is a downright sensation. Storrie and Williams’ inclusion in the pre-Olympic ceremonies guarantees the show will continue to reach an international audience.
‘Heated Rivalry’ Phenomenon Is Still Going Strong
The biggest surprise hit of the year, Heated Rivalry saw its popularity on HBO Max increase tenfold from its debut in late November to its finale on Dec. 26. Over the ensuing four weeks, it’s only gotten bigger.
When Williams appeared this month on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, a security guard remarked the outpouring of fans only rivaled the crowd for Harry Styles.
NBC security told fans that they saw something similar to today’s crowds only when Harry Styles was previously on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
Hudson Williams you are a star. Via alonainthecity on TikTok. pic.twitter.com/Qr0X9Vakee
— Hudson Williams Updates (@hudsonwupdates) January 7, 2026
From there, Williams and Storrie presented at the Golden Globes, and Williams stole the show at Milan Fashion Week. They’ve appeared on seemingly every major TV show, from NBC’s TODAY to ABC’s GMA.
Heated Rivalry‘s Impact on Gay Athletes
Though neither Storrie nor Williams has clarified how they identify–co-star François Arnaud, who plays hunky New York Admirals captain Scott Hunter, identifies as bi–their presence at the Winter Games goes a long way towards championing inclusion.
Since Heated Rivalry took off, at least two male athletes have publicly come out: hockey player Jesse Kortuem and pro basketball player AJ Oglivy. They’ve both said the show helped provide them the courage to live their truths.
There remains a dearth of out male athletes in pro team sports. Currently, there are no out players in the NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL.
There’s never been an out player in NHL history.
